November Brings Focus on Lung Cancer – Learn if You’re At Risk, How to be Screened and Where to Get Information and Support If Needed

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During the month of November, the focus shifts to lung cancer, America’s leading cancer killer.

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB)November 02, 2013

Lung cancer will be a powerful presence this November during Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Non-profit groups and their volunteers dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with the disease, raising early diagnosis rates, and increasing survival rates will shine this month.

During the month of November, the focus shifts to lung cancer, America’s leading cancer killer, as groups such as the Lung Cancer Alliance, a national non-profit committed to saving lives by helping people, accelerating research and advancing screening, bring the greater lung cancer community together to raise awareness and fight against the disease.

November will spotlight educational materials, such as a ‘Know Your Risk’ infographic; a Risk Navigator, which can be found at http://www.AtRiskforLungCancer.org, a simple navigational tool that guides the user through a series of questions designed to help assess personal lung cancer risk; a Veterans’ Initiative intended to bring awareness to one of lung cancer’s most at-risk populations; and awareness events such as its ‘Shine a Light on Lung Cancer’ Vigils, which take place in 133 communities in 39 states throughout the U.S. These events are designed to help raise community awareness, advance early detection and research discoveries, support patients and their loved ones and work toward building governmental support.

“Thirty days isn’t enough time to solve all the problems that come with lung cancer,” said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, president and CEO of Lung Cancer Alliance, “but it’s a good way to put the spotlight on a cause that thousands are affected by each and every day. During the month of November, we try even harder to bring increased awareness by shining a light on a disease that is often invisible to those not directly affected.”

This year, Lung Cancer Alliance is also going digital with a Virtual Vigil app, which can be found at http://www.LungCancerStories.org. The app allows people to upload pictures and share stories of loved ones who have been lost to lung cancer or are still struggling with the disease. From there, the stories can be shared on personal pages or posted to another’s Facebook page.

2013 has been a monumental year in the fight against lung cancer. In July, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued a draft “B” rating for low-dose CT scans to screen those most at risk for lung cancer. This move guarantees low dose CT scans will be covered for high-risk populations under public insurance providers such as Medicare. Typically, private insurers will also follow suit and offer the same level of coverage.

About Lung Cancer Alliance:
Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) is committed to saving lives by helping people, accelerating research and advancing screening. LCA provides live, professional support, referral and information services to patients, their loved ones and those at risk for lung cancer; conducts national awareness campaigns; and advocates for multiple millions in public health dollars for lung cancer research. For more information, please visit http://www.lungcanceralliance.org.